Summary: Researchers are conducting a study to explore the impact of omega-3 supplements on children’s behavior, mood and mental health. Recognizing that children in the UK consume less than half the recommended intake of omega-3, this study aims to assess whether these supplements can address dietary deficiencies and improve well-being.
The online study will include children ages 6 to 12 and will include assessments of behavioral changes using parent questionnaires. This research could inform broader health and educational strategies by identifying which children benefit most from increased omega-3 intake.
Key factors:
- Dietary concern: Many children in the UK do not consume the recommended levels of omega-3, which is crucial for brain development and function.
- Study design: The study is entirely online and includes children between the ages of 6 and 12 who will receive omega-3 supplements for three months.
- Potential impact: Preliminary research suggests that omega-3 supplementation could alleviate mood, behavior and learning problems in children, potentially helping those with ADHD or autism.
Source: University of Swansea
Swansea University researchers are exploring the influence omega-3 supplements can have on children’s behaviour, mood and mental wellbeing as part of a pioneering study with implications for health and education.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and shellfish are essential for proper brain function and development in children. Since the body cannot make them reliably, they must be supplied through the diet.
With most children in the UK consuming less than half the recommended intake of omega-3 fats, a team led by the UniversitysSchool of Psychology has received an £81,000 grant to investigate whether omega-3 supplements can help.
The study is independently funded by The Waterloo Foundation and is a collaboration with Food and Behavior (FAB) Research, a UK charity dedicated to advancing scientific research into the links between nutrition and human behavior .
The team is looking for children aged 6-12 from the UK mainland to take part in the study, which can be completed entirely online, with a three-month supply of easy-to-swallow supplements to participants in the post .
Parents and guardians will also be asked to fill out questionnaires about their children’s behavior before and after taking the supplements, noting any changes in behaviour, including mood and sleep.
Dr Hayley Young, lead researcher on the project, said: Dietary deficiencies of omega-3 have become the norm in UK children, despite the critical importance of these nutrients for health and wellbeing mental and physical. And we already know that a lack of sufficient omega-3s predicts behavior, mood, and learning disabilities in many different children.
Previous trials have shown that increasing omega-3 intake may benefit at least some children, whether or not their difficulties meet full criteria for conditions such as ADHD or autism. This new trial will help us find out which children can benefit the most and how they can be better identified.
FAB Partner and Co-Investigator Dr Alex Richardson added: FAB Research has a long history of research in this area, as does Swansea University’s School of Psychology, so we are delighted to be collaborating in this important new study.
We know that many parents, teachers and health professionals are struggling to provide the help and support that so many children need. We would love for you to get in touch as we can then provide you with more information that may be of use to you.
Note: Parents who wish to enroll their children in this study can do so here.
About this neurodevelopmental and supplementation research news
Author: Ffion Blanc
Source: University of Swansea
Contact: Ffion White – Swansea University
Image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
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